KOCHI, India, October 12 (ANI) — Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday filed four appeals before a division bench of the Kerala High Court, challenging its order to register a case against him and former Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas in connection with the controversial monthly payment, or “Masappadi,” case.
The court issued the directive while considering a plea seeking a detailed investigation into allegations of illegal monetary transactions between a private mining firm and prominent political leaders and entities.
The appeals argue that the court neither issued notices to the accused nor heard their submissions before passing the order. They also contend that the directive encroaches on the executive’s jurisdiction. The appeals seek permission to approach the Supreme Court and argue that the decision to quash the preliminary inquiry conflicts with the Supreme Court’s direction for such an inquiry. The High Court division bench is scheduled to consider the appeals on Tuesday morning.
Calling the action a “conspiracy,” Left Democratic Front (LDF) Convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan said the party stood firmly behind Vijayan and would challenge the move both legally and politically.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “The attempt to target Pinarayi Vijayan did not begin today. There is an effort to revive an issue that society has already rejected, with allegations being leveled against him without any basis. The party will not be intimidated by this conspiracy. We will fight it to the fullest extent, both legally and politically. If Pinarayi Vijayan is not being targeted, why was his residence raided? We will examine the nature of the case and decide how best to take the matter forward.”
Meanwhile, Vijayan’s daughter, T. Veena, has been named as an accused in both cases. Vijayan is the first accused in the monthly payment, or Masappadi, case, while Riyas is the first accused in the money laundering case.
The first case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, while the second concerns an alleged hawala transaction. The cases were registered following a Kerala High Court order directing the Vigilance Department to initiate proceedings based on a report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate.
The FIR cites Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with provisions under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. It also lists Sections 12, 13(1)(b), 13(2) and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
The CMRL-Exalogic case concerns allegations surrounding transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to Vijayan’s daughter, Veena. (ANI)
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